YouTube to announce new channels with custom-made content?

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YouTube could reveal as early as next week that it is launching its own channels with original content, according to sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal.

YouTube is thought to have signed a series of partnership deals with media companies to produce unique content. Also believed to be onboard is Anthony Zuiker, creator of crime drama CSI, and skateboarder Tony Hawk. Media companies involved include ShineReveille at News Corp and RTL Group at FremantleMedia.

A spokesperson for YouTube declined to comment on the developments, but the site has long been working on becoming a new class of entertainment provider. It already manages several online channels, but it’s thought the new launch would present channels operating on a subscription model, focusing on things like comedy, news or food.

YouTube hopes to attract traditional media advertisers with its new products. If successful, this could be a boon to the trend of watching online content on living room TV sets.